2016 CIK-FIA Best-Of: Luca De Donno, Chairman of WSK Promotion

15.12.2016

Karting is evolving

What conclusions can we draw from the introduction of the new categories in 2016?

- Technically, it has been a success. OK-Junior has been proven without any problems and the number of entries has proved quite satisfactory. For the OK category, it's more complicated and it will take two seasons to form an opinion. The equipment itself is not in question. We needed an elite class with thrilling performance for drivers and spectators. It has been successful on that count. Two difficulties arise, however, with the lack of national championships for OK in many countries and the temptation to move to cars quickly for top drivers.

More generally, what is the situation for karting now?

- When one carefully analyses the situation, one can only note that Karting is doing quite well. This is a time where the who of motor sport encounters difficulties. The entries are down everywhere, but Karting is more resistant than other disciplines. Just look at the numbers to be convinced. We also saw good performance in the CIK-FIA categories this season compared with the different brand cups and it is a very encouraging sign. One can reasonably hope that this trend will continue in the coming years. Over the last two years, many things have changed. The CIK-FIA is working in the right direction and this is only the beginning. Karting will improve at international and national levels and I am convinced that it is fundamental to rebuild basic attractive competitions for international categories in each country. This requires a real commitment from the ASNs.

What do you expect for next season?

- Major decisions have been taken. The most important relates to lowering the age for each category. OK-Junior is already in very good health, and the young Drivers starting should confirm that momentum. Regarding the OK, we should see a strengthening of the entries. If we can reach 30 to 40 Drivers per race in 2017, everyone will be happy. This is a good measure for Karting but also for Cars. Indeed, they will start in cars, such as Formula 4, as better trained and more experienced drivers. The layout of the race format adopted this year was positive to reduce the preparatory testing. Maybe we could go further by extending the freedom to use tyres from the official free practice on Friday morning and will start limiting the sets of tyres until Qualifying. We now have the ability to group several categories to offer attractive meetings as we have seen especially at Genk with four categories in contention and nearly 200 drivers. The CIK-FIA is determined to continue in this direction. All this makes the 2017 season look very good!